Wednesday February 28th, 2024
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead
GIGS FROM HELL 2
Gigs we’d like to forget but just can’t
by Paul Lucas
ELVES AT PLAY
Horror and Disgust in the Malls of Phoenix
I was riding high. I had just come off two nights of gigs that had been huge fun as well as a nice boost to my musical ego.
The first was a concert with my Brazil trio, (a southern version of that group featuring Dom Moio [perc] and Dwight Kilian [str. bass] ), that was part of a the Sacred Ground Jazz Coffee House series in Phoenix. The second was a gig with the Arizona State University big band where I was the featured soloist on ‘Moments Notice; - a John Coltrane tune. On the latter, I got a nod from no other than Gunther Schuller, (one of America’s iconic composers in both the jazz and classical worlds), who happened to be in the audience at the time.
I was quite full of myself, so it was clearly time for a lesson in humility, and that lesson showed up post haste.
“Do you play Dixieland?” the agent asked. “Yes I do,” said I.
Over the years I had played many Dixieland gigs and it was usually with great players - players who both knew and lived the music. Dixieland, for those who are not familiar with the genre, is founded in the traditional Jazz of New Orleans - the place it all started.
The traditional instrumentation is cornet/trumpet, trombone, clarinet, tuba and banjo. The beauty of Dixieland is that it can be played acoustically and can move from location to location with relative ease. And moveability was what this particular gig was all about, for reasons I was about to understand.
It was Christmas, and there were often gigs in the many huge malls of greater Phoenix. I didn’t like playing these places. The sound was bad, the lighting was terrible and the focus was on everything but the music. But it was Christmas after all.
‘What are you son, the Christmas grinch? Buckle up and play some Dixieland for the folks!’ So I said yes.
I arrived at the bandstand to find one of my favourite ensembles ready to roll. These guys were the real thing. The bandleader though, I was told, was a tad peculiar. As it turned out, that was a gross understatement. He showed up in a striped jacket and straw boater hat, toting a multi-coloured umbrella which he twirled continually, stopping only to dump a very large bag of something or other on the ground in front of us.
Then, putting down the umbrella, he proceeded to unzip the bag, revealing what appeared to be several elf outfits - garish green elf outfits with red piping and all manner of protruding parts with bells on them. Never backward about coming forward, I laughed, slapped my thigh, and croaked,
“Oh man, I don’t know who those are for, but I’m sure as hell glad we don’t have to wear ‘em!”
The silence was deafening. I looked around at my bandmates and noticed the blood had drained from their faces. They had snagged the truth the moment the bag unzipped - long before my laugh had died in the marble canyons of a mall that now felt like a mausoleum.
‘Oh no,’ I thought. ‘What have I got myself into. Run! ... Run now!’
But tossing a gig you signed on for is suicide in an agent-driven town, and that is what Phoenix was at the time. So, gritting my teeth with the rest of my miserable bandmates, I stuck on the elf hat, slung my arms through the holes of that nasty little green vest and shoved my feet into the pointy pair of velveteen shoes with the bells on the toes.
‘Oh well,’ I thought to myself, ‘if I just hide behind the tuba player I should be all right. This too will end, then I can go home.’
But no, it wasn’t to be.
You see, the gig was not on the bandstand at all. As it turned out, we were to be an elfish marching band ... you know ... happy little elves marching along with their elfish instruments, bringing joy to holiday revelers everywhere. The possibilities for humiliation were expanding exponentially.
As we were donning our elf suits, I noticed that the bandstand was rapidly filling with musiciansmusicians, evidently, with a real gig. To my horror, Eric Bart, one of my jazz guitar playing pals was on the job and I knew it was just a matter of time before he saw me.
Well, off we went - five Kermit the Frogs led by some madman twirling a big umbrella. We were on our final turn, and coming back towards the bandstand when it happened - Eric looked up and did a double take that would have made Rodney Dangerfield proud.
It’s not easy to maintain an expression consisting of equal parts horror, compassion and glee. I think you have to go through the cycle just like you do with grief - first the horror, then the compassion, and finally, the glee. Every circuit we did, Eric seemed to have progressed to the next stage. On the third lap, he was laughing so hard he couldn’t breathe, and he ended up knocking over his music stand and scattering music all over the stage.
I am lying in wait for him. His time will come.
TO BE CONTINUED
“A Guitar Player On The Yukon Border” can be found at local bookstores and on Amazon.com.
Paul can be found at paullucasmusic.com
Message from the Atlin community representative on the G2G Forum.
The G2GF oversees several Joint Initiative (JI) Working Groups, each of which address important issues on the land base, including mining and mineral exploration, protected areas, fish and wildlife management, as well as research and monitoring.
As your Atlin Community representative, I would like to hear from you about topics that are important to you so I can be the conduit of Atlin Community interests at the Forum.
There was a G2G Forum on February 21&22 2024 as a virtual meeting. A newsletter will follow with updates at some point. The next G2GF is in Atlin in July.
Please comment on the Proposed Hunting regulation change. Hopefully you can find it from one of these links.
Proposed hunting regulation changes for the 2024-2026 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis and 2024 Limited Entry Hunting Regulations Synopsis at this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/ahte
The Atlin Moose LEH directly at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/ahte/huntingtrapping/atlin-moose-leh
It looks like the Land Act amendment was put on hold right now, but you can still comment on it.
I want to remind you that you can send your comments in regards to the AHEP project to Andrea Scarth, the Project leader for the BC Government, to her email andrea.Scarth@gov.bc.ca
Send me your questions or issues relating to the scope of the G2G by emailing
infoatling2g@gmail.com
“Winter Wonderment”
Winter upon us with snow everywhere
Like a puffy quilt to shelter us there.
Icicles dangle from branches spread wide Glisten in sunshine and sparkle with pride.
Young children close by happy as can be Build a real snowman in their fantasy.
Jeff Salmon
Thanks to everyone who supported our "Lunch by Donation." Special thanks to the Atlin Inn who generously allowed us to use the restaurant. We raised $615.00 for Supported Living. Our next "Lunch by Donation" will be Sunday, March 10th from 11:00 am to 3 PM. Once again, all donations will go to Atlin Supported Living.
Much Appreciated, The Heavenor Family
Atlin Community Improvement District
Atlin Community Engagement
Surveys are open to every Atlin area resident! What is important to you? Share your voice, ideas, concerns & solutions.
Website live! atlincommunity.com
Survey(s) open or soon to come: Hunting in the Atlin area Waterfront & Foreshore Community & Commercial Land Residential Land & Housing …and coming soon…
Atlin Volunteer Fire Dept & Fire Hall Parks & Recreation
Atlin Representation & Governance (and more!)
Visit website for links or QR codes. Paper copies available if needed Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email: atlincommunityengagement@gmail.com
March Summary
Musicians & Theatre
Saturday, March 2- Kershaws
Glenn Chatten/Rebecca Law
Musicians
www.glennchatten.com
Friday, March 29- Atlin Rec Centre Hall
Jenny Hamilton: Teenage Cult Leader
Play
Saturday, April 20 – Kershaws
Muster Point
Musicians
Sunday Movies – Atlin Teen Centre
Doors open 7:00, movie starts 7:30
Sunday, March 3:
One Life:
Narrated: Daniel Craig, Koert-Jan de Bruijn
Directed by: Michael Gunton, Martha Holmes
Documentary – Focuses on the cyclical journey taken by all living creatures, from birth to having youngsters of their own
Sunday March 10:
The Man in the Moon:
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Sam Waterson, Tess Harper
Directed by: Robert Mulligan
SeePostersforDetails
Atlin Community Improvement District
ELECTIONS & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Atlin Community Improvement District (ACID) has the object of operating the following services:
• Drainage
• Fire Protection
• Sidewalks
• Solid Waste Disposal
• Street Lighting
• Waterworks
• Representing the Community in communication with provincial agencies on land use matters and advising or making recommendations to the Minister of Community Development on land use matters
The ACID meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. Meetings are usually 2 hours in length. Each trustee receives an honorarium per regular board meeting (currently $100.00/meeting). Attendance at as many meetings as possible is extremely important.
Persons entitled to vote at an election must be:
TRUSTEE ELECTIONS will be held at the AGM on 17 April 2024
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: February 20 – March 29, 2024
1 Three-Year Term is open for the position of Trustee
• a Canadian citizen
• at least eighteen years of age
• an owner of land in the improvement district
• a resident of the province for the previous six months, or the legal representative of an owner of land in the improvement district who has died, become insolvent or insane.
When more than one person is registered on title as a landowner each person may vote as long as they meet all requirements set out above.
One vote is also allowed for each board or corporation that owns land within the improvement district. The board or corporation must designate one person to act as an authorized agent to vote on its’ behalf. This must be done in writing for the polling clerk to verify the voter’s eligibility.
Each person is allowed only one vote regardless of how many properties they own. However, if a person also meets the qualifications as agent, set out above, that person may place a vote on behalf of that board or corporation.
Every person qualified to vote in an improvement district is also qualified to be a trustee.
NOMINATION & OTHER FORMS are available at the Atlin Service BC Office
Completed Forms are to be submitted to the Atlin Service BC Office
Before 3:00pm March 29, 2024
Atlin Community Improvement District PO Box 388 Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Phone/Fax: 250-651-7582 Email: atlincid@gmail.com
Hello Dear Community!
I am looking for ANTIQUES:
-Oil Lamps
-Flower Pots from big to small sizes
-Wooden chairs
-Victorian Sofa
-Coffee table
-Mirrors
-Camera Collection
-Book Collection
-Coffee Collection
-Paintings
If you have any for sell or donation, please contact me at 250-651-2111.
Thank you so much! Amélie Remon
LANDFILL
*WINTER DAYS*
*Effective – Sunday, November 5, 2023*
SUNDAY & MONDAY
11 AM - 4 PM … PST
CLOSED at temperatures -28 C & below
CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Family Day - Closed Monday, Feb 19th …. Open Feb 18, 20
Easter (Good Friday) - Open Mar 31, April 1
Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
FOOT CARE CLINIC
Mar 18th and 19th
9 am - 1 pm at 5 mile (Mar 18th)
1:30 -7 pm at the Pew
ALL day Mar 19th at the Pew
Call Marion 867-335-5130 for appointment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Union
The heart is leader
The head is follower
Together they are united
The Sabbath
We work for six days
We rest and we worship on the seventh Otherwise we end up worshiping our work
The Bystanders
They part the curtains
Just enough to peek out
And see the neighbours rounded up on trucks
ThankGod,thistime,they’renotcomingforus.
The Stolpersteine
The stumbling stone
Laid into the cobblestone sidewalk
In front of her house
Covered with a brass plate:
MARION EHRLICH
JG. 1928
DEPORTIERT 29.11.1942
ERMORDET IN AUSCHWITZ
A small monument to one soul, of millions
Reminding us of what is possible if we do nothing
The Dress
The red dress
Hanging from a tree
Blowing in the breeze
Out of context
Reminding us of our history
And our present day
The Bannerman
He picks it up and runs
Not looking behind to see who follows
Or if they follow
But continues to run
Banner unfurled
Colours vibrant
Faithful to the core
Till he falters
Stumbles to the ground
Bruises his knee
But getting up
Glances over his shoulder
To see none following suit
But dauntless
Forges on
Through the sleet and through the hail
Through the mud and through the grime
Till they get the idea
And swell the ranks
And surmount the goal.
The Responsibility
The bus pulls into the city
At the end of its long haul
And the driver announces:
“Make it a nice day.”
Isn’t that it?
Makeitaniceday!
You don’t have a nice day
You make it a nice day.
GreyhoundBus,Saskatoon,AB
https://stephenbadhwar.substack.com/
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Surprise Lake Road
6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 storey and a main level cozy self-contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.
$350,000
Watson Avenue
Two adjoining lots totaling 75x100’ providing ample room to build a new home while restoring a colorful and historic building, if you chose. No neighbors or roads to the north so lots of privacy.
$225,000
4th Street
400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion. Great potential for expansion.
$249,000
43.6
Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cosy two bedroom home is so private featuring a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as a B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/workshops and fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus a short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY.
$597,000
Pearl Street
1700 sq.ft. historical building suited for combination comfortable living plus retail. Living room, kitchen, two bedroom and huge third room to adapt to your needs! Recent extensive foundation and roof restoration plus interior renovations utilizing the original wood and fixtures. This is the original Atlin and your opportunity!
$395,000
Historic Rant
This 3 bedroom bungalow appears to have been one of the Eaton catalogue pre-packaged houses, either original or salvaged with what appears to be solid beautiful Douglas Fir wood throughout just begging for restoration. With a fabulous view of the mountains and lake this is big enough for a young family. Plus, within walking distance of all amenities. An adjoining lot perpendicular to this homesite is also available. You could live here while building a dream home on the adjoining lot.
$175,000
Warm Bay Road
This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. Two bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous out buildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around!
$230,000
Second Street
100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace.
$135,000
4th of July
.78 acres of Crown Land Lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042
$53,500
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019
Please text or email a message (rather than voice mail) myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when I am traveling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
MENU
Daily and always available: Coffee, Fresh Made Sandwiches & Bakery Pastries
All items OVEN baked ~ not deep fried
Monday 9:30-5:00
Fresh made sandwiches and pastries.
Tuesday 9:30-5:00
Chicken, Beef or Veggie, Cheese, Loaded Nachos.
Starts at 11am until sold out.
Small $14 Large $25 Roasted Whole Chicken.
Starts at 3:30 until sold out.
$20-$25
Friday 9:30-5:00
Fried Chicken Dinner with Potato Wedges and choice of Salad. Starts at 11am until sold out.
2, 4, 8 piece or 12 piece Family Bucket w/potato side and choice of salad.
Price for 2 - $ 12
Price for 4 - $ 21
Price for 8 - $ 37.50
Family Bucket $ 65
Wednesday 9:30-5:00
Wings hot and ready to go. Sold by the pound.
Starts at 11am until sold out.
$21.99 per pound
All variety of sauces available. Choice of naked or breaded
Saturday 9:30-5:00 Sunday Closed
Pizza Day. All in house made fresh. Starts at 11am until sold out.
$ 18 - $43
Pizza by the slice while supplies last $ 7
Shani’s Rest Day
Thursday 9:305:00
Roasted Whole Chicken.
Starts at 3:30 until sold out. $20-$25
*Pre-order meals by 4pm the day before –
Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs *
Available Tues, Wed, Friday, Saturday
~Catering, Donut, Pizza available any day when booked 48 hours in advance~
Gary Pumps Ltd.
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am Yukon time of said day. Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday
Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel Available
Phone 250-651-7463
Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com
Box 147
Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday to Friday 8 am – noon Yukon time
Closed all Statutory Holidays
With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Winter store hours (Starting
Sept 20)
Please take note that we will be
closing on Sundays
Monday - Friday 9:30am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday Closed Also closed on all Statutory holidays. Will operate on MST this Fall/Winter.
~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
Food and Beverage Hours
Starting February 1, 2024
Friday 5:30-8 -Saloon
Saturday 6-8 -Saloon
Sunday 6-8 -Restaurant
Friday night is Pizza night.
Saturday is Burger and Beer special.
Atlin Pet Care 287 Tatlow Street
Yourpetshomeawayfromhome!
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday
11 a.m. Come join us!
250-691-0128
Mountain Shack
Café Restaurant
Fast Fancy Food
Great Service
110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT
Wednesday thru Monday 250-651-7789
St. Martin’s Anglican Church
10 a.m.
Sunday Everyone welcome!
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help to create the fact.
Williams James 1842-1910
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020 @gmail.com
The next Whisper is Wednesday March 13th
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm March 10th
Atlin Community Library
Open Friday and Saturday from 2-4 pm
Everyone is Welcome!
The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece.
Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill.
Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit.
Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!
